Consider the Constitution

The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution
  • 5.0 (7)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Consider the Constitution

Consider the Constitution is a podcast from the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier. The show provides insight into constitutional issues that directly affect every American. Hosted by Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey the podcast features interviews with constitutional scholars, policy and subject matter experts, heritage professionals, and legal practitioners.

  1. APR 16

    Debunking Political Myths with Dr. Casey Burgat

    Host Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey welcomes Dr. Casey Burgat back to James Madison's Montpelier to discuss his new book, "We Hold These Truths: How to Spot the Myths That Are Holding America Back."

    29 min

  2. APR 2

    Slavery, the Constitution, and the Road to Civil War

    In this compelling conversation with historian Dr. Joshua Rothman from the University of Alabama, we explore the complex relationship between slavery and the U.S. Constitution. Dr. Rothman reveals how the founding document's compromises—from the three-fifths clause to the fugitive slave provision—both protected and perpetuated human bondage while planting seeds for eventual conflict. We discuss how economic forces, technological innovations like the cotton gin, and territorial expansion trans...

    32 min

  3. MAR 19

    The Unwritten Role: First Ladies in American Democracy

    In this special episode of Consider the Constitution, Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey explores the evolving role of America's First Ladies with Anita McBride, former Assistant to President George W. Bush and Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush, and co-author of "Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women." Though the Constitution never defines this role, First Ladies, from Martha Washington to today, have wielded significant influence in shaping policy, dipl...

    31 min
  4. Warriors for Constitutional Rights with Sharon McMahon

    MAR 5

    Warriors for Constitutional Rights with Sharon McMahon

    In this compelling episode, host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey sits down with Sharon McMahon, "America's Government Teacher" and New York Times bestselling author of "The Small and the Mighty," to explore the remarkable stories of overlooked women who shaped American democracy. From Rebecca Brown Mitchell, who helped secure women's suffrage in Idaho decades before the 19th Amendment, to fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin, whose courageous stand against bus segregation helped pave the way for the M...

    29 min
  5. Executive Authority: Constitutional Leadership in the Modern Presidency

    FEB 19

    Executive Authority: Constitutional Leadership in the Modern Presidency

    What defines constitutional leadership in today's complex political landscape? Dr. Barbara Perry, co-director of the presidential oral history program at the Miller Center, examines how modern presidents navigate their constitutional authority while facing unprecedented challenges. Drawing from her extensive work conducting presidential oral histories, Perry illuminates the delicate balance between executive power and constitutional constraints, from the critical process of peaceful power tra...

    37 min
  6. Presidential Pardon Power

    FEB 5

    Presidential Pardon Power

    In this episode of Consider the Constitution, we explore the presidential pardon power with Professor Kim Whele from the University of Baltimore Law School. The discussion covers the historical origins of pardons from British common law, its incorporation into the U.S. Constitution, and how this power has evolved through American history through the recent pardons by both President Biden and President Trump in 2024-2025.

    22 min
  7. Transfer of Power: Lessons from 1800

    JAN 22

    Transfer of Power: Lessons from 1800

    Bitter rivals, fake news, and fears of biblical proportions—welcome to the U.S. presidential election of 1800. Consider the Constitution Host Katie Crawford-Lackey and historian John Ragosta unpack America's first transfer of power between opposing parties, revealing surprising parallels to our current political moment.

    27 min
  8. What Would Madison Make of TikTok?

    JAN 8

    What Would Madison Make of TikTok?

    How would James Madison, the architect of the First Amendment, view today's controversial TikTok ban debate? Host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey and constitutional expert Dr. Lynn Uzzell explore the surprising parallels between 18th-century free speech battles and our modern social media challenges.

    28 min
See All (41)

    5
    out of 5
    7 Ratings

    About

    Consider the Constitution is a podcast from the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier. The show provides insight into constitutional issues that directly affect every American. Hosted by Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey the podcast features interviews with constitutional scholars, policy and subject matter experts, heritage professionals, and legal practitioners.

    Information

    • Creator
      The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution
    • Years Active
      2023 - 2025
    • Episodes
      41
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2025 Consider the Constitution
    • Show Website
      Consider the Constitution

    You Might Also Like

    Content Restricted

    This episode can’t be played on the web in your country or region.

    To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

    Stay up to date with this show

    Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
    Select a country or region

    Africa, Middle East, and India

    Asia Pacific

    Europe

    Latin America and the Caribbean

    The United States and Canada